The Mademoiselle Alliance by Natasha Lester
The Mademoiselle Alliance is a fascinating account of a real-life heroine who risked everything to reclaim a free France – for her children and her country.
Morocco,
1928. At eighteen, Marie-Madeleine Fourcade marries Edouard Meric, an army
officer working for the French Intelligence Service. He is eight years her
senior. It doesn’t take long for her to realize their energies don’t align. Her
memories of growing-up in Shanghai reawaken her adventurous spirit - something
her husband struggles to accept.
Her time
in Morocco reveals her natural gift for assembling the pieces needed to gather intelligence.
She defies her husband by taking secret camel rides to visit the tribal groups
he needs to befriend, proving herself adept at winning trust and navigating
unfamiliar terrain.
Paris,
1936. Now, separated from her husband and raising two children, Marie-Madeleine
refuses to let conventions limit her. She becomes a journalist in Paris defying
societal expectations that mothers should stay home. She delights in uncovering
the stories of remarkable women often ignored by conservative French
newspapers.
After
competing in the Monte Caro Rally and finishing third, she meets Navarre, one
of France’s most prominent military intelligence officers. At party, he tells her
he’s launching a newspaper – and that he’s aware of some of her work in
intelligence. He needs her rare blend of skills: journalism and intelligence.
When
France falls under occupation, Navarre secures a position under Vichy France to
collect and relay its secrets to the Allies. As he gains the trust of Marshal
Petain, leader of Vichy, Marie-Madeleine rises as key figure in recruiting the
agents for the Resistance.
If it
means disguising herself as a man, she does it. She does whatever it takes to restore
free France for her children. Like a chameleon, she adapts to every challenge,
skillfully interviewing men and enlisting some in their crusade against the
Vichy regime.
Seven
years after her separation, while recruiting men, one man stands out in the
crowd: Leon Faye. He becomes the leader of the new North African sector. When
both Leon and Navarre leave for North Africa, the network is left without leadership.
Now thirty-one, Marie-Madeleine realizes the men trust her more than Navarre –
they know her; she recruited them. She feels an unshakable responsibility to carry
on their mission.
But
danger is ever-present. The Nazis pressure Vichy to crack down on the
Resistance in the Free Zone. Someone in Vichy begins to suspect Marie-Madeleine
of deception. A warrant is issued for her arrest.
Readers
are given a front-row seat to the workings of the Resistance. It’s heartbreaking
to witness the fate of some agents - and inspiring to see the strength and
determination of those who risk everything for liberty. Even under capture,
they guard their secrets with astonishing courage.
The
resilience depicted in this story is nothing short of incredible. How could
someone survive ten hours crammed in a mailbag? Or squeeze through the bars of a
prison cell?
Even as
Europe celebrates liberation, the final pages hold readers in suspense: will
that one person survive the Nazis’ brutality?
The
extraordinary achievements of the Alliance are masterfully portrayed, with richly
developed characters and believable dialogue. Marie-Madeleine’s daring spirit
shines throughout the narrative.
The
Mademoiselle Alliance, by spotlighting the courageous work of the Resistance,
is a deeply moving and profound read – one that urges the reader to pause, reflect,
and appreciate the sacrifices made by others so that we might enjoy freedom
today.
Review
originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com
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